Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn has made a surprising revelation about the club's post-season plans, confirming the abrupt cancellation of their traditional Mad Monday celebrations.
The veteran ruckman disclosed that the team had suddenly called off their scheduled event at a Richmond pub following their straight-sets finals exit from the 2024 AFL season. The Demons suffered consecutive defeats against Collingwood and Carlton, ending their premiership hopes prematurely.
Sudden Change of Plans
"We were going to go to the Richmond Club Hotel, and then we just cancelled it," Gawn stated during his appearance on Triple M's radio program. The decision marks a significant departure from the AFL's long-standing tradition where teams gather for informal celebrations after concluding their season.
Gawn suggested the cancellation reflected the team's collective disappointment with their premature finals exit. "I think we were all that disappointed that we didn't actually want to (go)," he explained, highlighting the sombre mood within the camp following their back-to-back losses.
Tradition Versus Disappointment
Mad Monday has been an AFL institution for decades, providing players with an opportunity to unwind and celebrate the season's end regardless of final standings. The cancellation underscores the depth of Melbourne's frustration after entering the finals with strong premiership credentials.
The Demons' early exit continues their recent pattern of finals disappointments since winning the 2021 premiership. Despite boasting one of the competition's most talented lists, the team has struggled to replicate their grand final success in subsequent seasons.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While acknowledging the season's disappointing conclusion, Gawn confirmed the players would still convene for a more subdued gathering at a teammate's residence. This scaled-back approach suggests a team already focused on redemption in the 2025 season.
The captain's revelation provides rare insight into the emotional aftermath of finals failure for professional athletes. Rather than traditional festivities, the Demons opted for reflection and early preparation for the challenges ahead.
As AFL teams increasingly professionalise their approach to season conclusions, Melbourne's decision to forego Mad Monday celebrations may signal a broader shift in how clubs handle post-season disappointment and preparation for future campaigns.
